Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Thoughts on the news of the day: memories

hmmm…..
            A news item today claims that the number one fear of Americans over 55 is loss of memory.  Really?  I would have guessed the obvious trip to meet our Maker, but according to this article it comes in second.  The article lists some remedies for memory loss such as doing crossword puzzles, taking ginkgo and even eating celery (remember when grandma used to say, “Eat your celery, it makes your brain grow”?)  Apparently studies are showing that while these remedies don’t work very well, aerobic exercise does.  In other words, working our feet strengthens our brain.  
            Memorization has never been my strong suite.  I remember even as a child struggling to learn the answers to our Catholic catechism; and I have always admired those who could learn spelling words, or lines in a play. As I get older, names and dates slip away, but doesn’t that happen to everyone?
            Mostly I remember feelings.  You know, the feelings of first love, the feeling of fear the first time I drove a car by myself, the feeling of accomplishment on graduation day.  Feelings stay with us when names, dates, and faces fade into oblivion.  So I guess I don’t mind if you don’t remember my name, my hope is that I have touched your life in some good way, and that you carry that good feeling with you … today and forever more. 
            hmmm…..

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